Things to Do in Munich

Oktoberfest

The highlight and one of Munich's "must see's" during the last weeks of September and early October is the infamous annual ''Oktoberfest'', the world's largest beer festival. The first Oktoberfest took place on the 12 Oct 1810, to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. All citizens of Munich were invited to a meadow (''Wiesn'') situated in front of the city tower, subsequently renamed ''Theresienwiese'' in honor of the bride. In the early years of the fair, horse races were held, then as the event grew, they added agricultural conventions, which still take place every fourth year. In 1896, businessmen working with the breweries in Munich built the first giant beer tents at ''Oktoberfest'', and drinking beer has been the primary focus ever since. Each of the major breweries presides over its own large tent filled with traditional musicians leading the crowd in well-known drinking chants, incredibly strong barmaids hoisting ten or more huge ''Maß'' (Pronounced 'Mass', these are one-litre glass beer mugs that are heavy even when empty!), and a spate of drunken people all trying to get into the bathroom at once. There are carnival games, amusement rides, and other entertainment available. In 2012, ''Oktoberfest'' hosted 6.4 million visitors who drank 6.9 million liters of beer and ate the equivalent of roughly 90 oxen, 400,000 sausages and 600,000 chickens.

Theresienwiese

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Maibaum aufstellen

On 1st May (which is a public holiday in Germany) strange things happen in some Upper Bavarian villages and even in Munich. Men in ''Lederhosn'' and girls in ''Dirndln'' carrying long poles meet on the central square. With these poles an even longer white-blue pole is erected. There is usually an oompah band playing, booths selling food and drinks and tables where you can sit down and enjoy this non-touristy spectacle. The large white-blue pole you find in almost every village and dozens in Munich (e.g. on the ''Viktualienmarkt'') is called ''Maibaum'' (meaning may tree - known in English as a maypole) and the villages compete who has the tallest and the straightest one. It is cut down every three to five years and re-erected in the following year. Ask a local which village or district of Munich does it this year and be there not later than 10am. There's several traditions revolving around maypoles, like the dance of the unmarried men and women. The weeks before 1 May, each village has to guard its maypole, because if some other village manages to steal it, they'll have to buy it back. Usually with beer.

Bike, walk, or picnic along the Isar River

On the eastern edge of this district. Across the street from St. Maxmilian's church, there is a paved, mostly flat path for biking and walking along the Isar River. On the other side of the river (cross at the Reichenbach bridge on Fraunhoferstraße), there's a playground for children and flat areas along the river for picnicking and sunbathing, and more bike and jogging paths. Boating is forbidden, but swimming is permitted. The river is cold even in the hottest days of summer, and the current is swift enough to challenge strong swimmers, but wading along the edge is popular. If you forgot something, stop at the kiosk by the west edge of the bridge: they sell almost everything.

Free

Climb St. Paul's bell tower

During Oktoberfest you can access the bell tower of St. Paul's church directly north of Theresienwiese. It is kind of an insider tip, that the 97 m (318 ft) tower of St. Paul's can be climbed for one of Munich's most spectacular views. It is a gathering point for professional as well as hobby photographers, due to the postcard panorama. The tower even had its 15 minutes of fame, when in 1960 an American military plane streaked it during take-off and subsequently went down to hit a streetcar. 52 people died in the accident – 20 passengers on the plane and 32 on the ground.

St.-Pauls-Platz 10

Only during Oktoberfest: M-F 14:00-21:00, Sa-Su 12:15-21:00; no admission during services)

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Relax at Gärtnerplatz

The circular ''Gärtnerplatz'' square is one of Munich's most impressive architectural masterpieces. During warm summer evenings, hundreds of people gather in the middle of the square itself or in one of the surrounding cafés to enjoy a few local brews and life in general. There are two supermarkets right at the square in case you forgot to bring along drinks – but keep in mind that, in Bavaria, supermarkets and other shops are closed after 20:00 and on Sundays or public holidays.

Gärtnerplatz

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Nockherberg strong beer festival

The strong beer festival on ''Nockherberg'' - the Holy Mountain of Munich - is the most famous of that kind of beer festivals in Bavaria. It takes place during Lent, normally starting around the mid of March and lasting for 17 days. Much of its fame originates from the traditional beer tasting (''Starkbieranstich'') at the first day, which is a fixed date for every higher ranking Bavarian politician. Be aware of the strong Paulaner beer though: it finishes you much faster!

Hochstraße 77

M-F 14:00-23:00, Sa-Su 11:00-23:00

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Kocherlball

Each year on one early morning in July, young people gather at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden to perform a Bavarian folk dance. And the best thing is: everybody can participate. Originally a dance for servants and house maids, the event was revived in 1989 for the bicentennial of the English Garden. An insider tip for the first years, the ''Kocherlball'' today attracts up 15,000 participants and spectators.

Chinese Tower in the English Garden

21 Jul 2013, 06:00-10:00

free of charge

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Surfing on the Eisbach

Who needs the ocean or a beach when you can surf in the Englischer Garten? Near Haus der Kunst, the Eisbach creates a standing wave. During the summer time, there are always a lot of surfers at this spot. As the wave is not created intentionally, there is no possibility to rent surfboards. The location is on the north side of Prinzregentenstraße at the intersection with Bruderstraße.

near ''Haus der Kunst''

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Langwied Lake

The Langwied lake area comprises of Langwied lake itself, Lußsee lake, and Birkensee lake. Besides swimming in the lake, you can also rent rowing boats, play minigolf, or go diving. In the vicinity there is a restaurant with beer garden, a hotel, and a camping site. During hot summer days the lakefront is crawling with people from Munich trying to escape the heat of the city.

Kreuzkapellenstraße 89

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State Theater at Gärtnerplatz

The ''Gärtnerplatztheater'' is one of only three Bavarian state theaters and Munich's second opera house. It focuses mainly on opera, with occasional productions of operettas, musicals, and ballets. The opera house itself opened 1865 and was built in classical style. It has been closed for renovations and, after some delays, is expected to re-open in late 2017.

Gärtnerplatz 3

Closed until 2015 due to major construction works

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Streetlife-Festival

The Streetlife-Festival is a mix of a street festival, art fair, and ecological awareness event. During the two weekends ''Ludwigstraße'', one of Munich main boulevards, is closed for motorized traffic and people are strolling between stages and food stalls. Directly north, along Leopoldstraße the Corso Leopold is taking place in Schwabing.

Ludwigstraße 1-33

1st weekend in June & 2nd weekend in September

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Bicycling

Why not go for a bike ride or guided bike tour and explore Munich from the seat of a bicycle? Englischer Garten and the whole of Munich is lined with bike trails. Some bike tour operators offer guided bike tours of Munich, which take you through the Englischer Garten. Some of these tours will stop at a beer garden for a break.

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Corso Leopold

Corso Leopold is a mix of a street festival, funfair, and art fair. During the two weekends ''Leopoldstraße'', one of Munich main boulevards, is closed for motorized traffic and people are strolling between stages and food stalls. Directly south, along Ludwigstraße the Streetlife-Festival is taking place in Maxvorstadt.

Leopoldstraße 9-61

1st weekend in June & 2nd weekend in September

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Feldmoching Lake

The lake is the biggest of the three small lakes in the area. It is very popular on warm summer days, but the least crowded of the three lakes, due to its rather remote location 1 km (0.6 mi) from any public transportation. The water quality is very good. It is handicapped accessible via a ramp ramp at the north side.

Ferchenbachstraße 205

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Professional basketball game of FC Bayern Munich Basketball

If you are tired of all the football that is gonign on in Germany, why not try a basketball match? The basketball division of FC Bayern Munich is one of the best team in Germany. They play their games at ''Audi Dome'', which has 6,700 seats and was built in 1972 for the basketball tournament of the Summer Olympics.

Grasweg 74

Adults €20-40, Concessions €10-28

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Auer Dult

''Auer Dult'' is an annual market, that takes place three times a year for nine days in May, July, and the weekend after Kermesse. Apart from the very small beer festival (where tourists are virtually unheard of) that goes with the market, Auer Dult is considered to be the largest crockery market in Europe.

Mariahilfplatz

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Prinzregententheater

'Prinzregententheater'' is one of the most important stages in Munich. It is the home of the Bavarian Drama Academy. The focus of the shows lies on opera and musical. The building itself is a magnificent art nouveau structure, built after the example of the ''Richard-Wagner-Festspielhaus'' in Bayreuth.

Prinzregentenplatz 12

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FC Bayern Munich

Watch a home match of one of Europe's best football teams FC Bayern Munich. Home games are every other weekend and some games during the week from August to May. Ticket prices range from €15-70 for national league and cup matches to €35-300 for UEFA Champions League matches.

Werner-Heisenberg-Allee 25

€15-100

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Bayern Munich football training

If you aren't able to get tickets to a game at ''Allianz Arena'', you can catch a glimpse at Germany's top football team at their training grounds and acquire autographs of some of the world's best football players. There is a public training at least once a week.

Säbener Straße 51-57

Public training approx. once a week

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Münchner Volkstheater

Why not jump in at the deep end and trying to learn German the hard way - watching a play. The ''Volkstheater'' is different from other Munich theaters inasmuch as the directors tend to produce classical plays in a very modern (sometimes shocking) way.

Brienner Straße 50

Adults: €13-€34, Concessions: €8

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Deutsches Theater München

The German Theater Munich is Germany's largest theater for guest performances. The theater focuses on music hall besides productions of theater, ballet, operettas, and musicals. It was opened in 1896 and underwent several renovations since then.

Schwanthalerstraße 13

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BoundCon

An event for BDSM fans. Held on a weekend in late May. Numerous live professional bondage shows, as well as custom photo shoots and workshops where you can try bondage yourself (advance registration required). For adults only, naturally.

Lilienthalallee 29

12 PM to 11 PM mostly

50 € for a 3-day pass

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Schwabing Christmas fair

Schwabing Christmas Fair is a rather artistic ''Christkindlmarkt'' at Münchner Freiheit. Enjoy some mulled wine while browsing the market for some art or admiring the elaborate architecture of the newly built tram terminal at the square.

Münchner Freiheit

End of November until Christmas Eve: M-F 12:00-20:30, Sa-Su 11:00-20:30

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Climbing and bouldering center

If you want to test your climbing skills before you head south into the Alps for the real deal, you can do it indoors in this facility. The climbing center is the biggest in the world and is owned by the German Alpine Club.

Thalkirchner Straße 207

M-F 7:00-23:00, Sa-Su 8:00-23:00

Adults €13, Concessions €10

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Bavarian International Tennis Championships

Every year at the end of April the men's tennis tour is making a top in Munich. The tournament is part of the ATP schedule and sees some of the world's top players, with winners including Roger Federer and David Nalbandian.

Aumeisterweg 10

end of April

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Frühlingsanlagen

Relax at the banks of the Isar in the recultivated ''Frühlingsanlagen'' and treat yourself with a cold and tasty local beer. On warm summer evenings the place is busy with people, partying at the river and enjoying life.

Eduard-Schmid-Straße

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Fasanerie Lake

It is one of the three small lakes in the area and the closest to the rail tracks. Munich residents flock to the lake on warm summer days and it is especially popular with families, due to its non-swimmer friendly depth.

Lerchenauer Straße 267

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Tram 19

Hop on to Tram line 19 somewhere in the city center (like ''Nationaltheater'') and ride east to see some of Munich's most overwhelming architecture. It will take you to the most important places in the Haidhausen area.

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Horse racecourse

The other stop for gamblers besides the neighbouring harness racecourse - here the jockeys are on the horses and not in a small cart behind them. And of course, betting is the main reason to watch the spectacle.

Graf-Lehndorff-Straße 36

every other week

free

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Circus Krone

In summer Europe's largest circus is moving around in Germany, and different concerts and other events take place in its fixed arena in Munich. In winter the circus resides in the city and gives regular shows.

Marsstraße 43

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Medieval Christmas fair

The Medieval Christmas Fair at Wittelsbacher Platz is a very special ''Christkindlmarkt''. Here you can buy medieval food and see performences while getting up your Christmas spirit - and drunk on mulled wine.

Brienner Straße 6-10

End of November until Christmas Eve: Daily 11:00-20:00

Mulled wine (''Glühwein''): €5

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KreativQuartier München

A cultural area with several venues, some of which are quite famous for subculure, including the [http://www.pathosmuenchen.de/ Pathos Theater] and [http://www.import-export.cc Import Export], amongst others.

Dachauer Straße 112, 80636 Munich

depending on the venue within KreativQuartier

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Marienplatz Christmas Market

A large market that stretches across the shopping street, so you can mix Christmas market shopping (and eating) with "normal" shopping. The market offers some delicious treats and some great souvenirs/gifts.

Harness Racing

For the traveler with a gambling habit, the harness races at Daglfing are worth a visit. Every other Sunday you can watch the horses rushing around the course. And of course bet on the outcome.

Rennbahnstraße 35

every other Sunday

free

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Pink Christmas

A small and cozy Christmas fair organized by Munich's gay and lesbian community. The name is taken very literally: nearly everything is colored pink. There is a daily show act at 19:00.

Stephansplatz

End of November until Christmas Eve: daily 16:00-21:00

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Rowing at Oberschleißheim Regatta Course

The regatta course was a venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. There are several professional rowing events every year, but the course is open for the public as well.

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Amateur football game at ''Grünwalder Stadion''

Watch a game of ''Bayern Munich's'' and ''1860 Munich's'' farm teams at ''Grünwalder Stadium'' and see some rising stars at the very beginning of their careers.

Grünwalder Straße 4

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Ice skating

When it's cold enough in the winter, you can go ice skating on the canals in front of Nymphenburg Palace as well as on the small ponds located in the gardens.

Schloss Nymphenburg

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Lerchenau Lake

Lerchenau Lake is the smallest and most popular of the three lakes in the area, because of its easy accessibility via public transportation.

Lassallestraße 91

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Nationaltheater

Shows ballet and opera performances almost every night. The Bavarian State Opera is said by critics to be one of the best in the world.

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River-Surfing

In spring, join the locals surfing on the river at the edge of the ''Englischer Garten'', at the bridge near the Lehel U-bahn station.

Tollwood

This three week long festival combines ethnic food, souvenir shops, concerts & theater and it is very popular among the locals.

Christmas fair at the Chinese Tower

The Christmas fair at the heart of the English Garden is probably the most romantic of Munich's ''Christkindlmärkte''.

Englischer Garten

Beginning of December until Christmas Eve: M-F 12:00-20:30, Sa-Su 11:00-20:30

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ARRI cinema

The ''ARRI'' is a traditional repertory cinema in the old facilities of world famous camera manufacturer ARRI.

Türkenstraße 91

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Cinema

Among Munich's leading motion picture houses, screening exclusively original version English language films.

Nymphenburger Straße 31

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Kammerspiele

Often surprises viewers with very modern (and sometimes shocking) interpretations of famous plays.

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City Foundation Festival

Held in July around the Town hall and Marienplatz , this offers food stalls and other events.

Marienplatz

StuStaCulum

StuStaCulum is a theater and music festival in Munich's student city, organized by students.

Christoph-Probst-Straße 14

mid-June

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FC Bayern

Serial German football champion and internationally one of the best clubs in the world.

Säbener Straße 51-57, 81547 München

TSV 1860 Munich

Local counterpart to FC Bayern. Second League, more local focus. Webpage only in German

Grünwalder Str. 114

Zoo & Golf Club turn

Start at either place and run along the Isarwerkkanal & Flossländle around both places

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Jogging/Walking

There are some particularly recommendable routes to go jogging in Thalkirchen

Cosima wave pool

The Cosima is Munich's only wave pool. It also has a quite big sauna area.

Cosimastraße 5

7:30-23:00

Adults €4.20, Concessions €3.30

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Residenztheater

Variety of classical and modern plays

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Munich Golf Club

18 course Golf Club next to the Isar.

Zentralländstraße 40

Green Fee € 30-75

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